Whiz Kid of the Week: Brandy LeClair

Whiz Kid’s Name: Brandy LeClair

Whiz Kid’s School: Fitch High School

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishments: 

Brandy LeClair is an uncompromising athlete. She is a member of Fitch High School's track, indoor track, and cross country teams. LeClair made all-state in cross country and indoor track last year and hopes to make all-New England this coming season.

“In third grade they started fitness testing,” said LeClair. “You know, when you have to run the mile? And my mom was like, ‘Oh, why don’t you practice for it?'"

LeClair arduously trained and netted a time of 8:30 — beating the boys and girls in her school.

She has been running since, competing in road races like the Tour de Noank and representing Fitch in the 3200 and 1600 meter events. Her current mile time is an impressive 5:13.

LeClair trains on her own through the summer.  Her favorite trails are Haley Farm and Bluff Point state parks.

Last year, she served as captain of her indoor track team and will have the same title this coming year for cross country.

LeClair possesses a positive attitude and a strong will which help her confront challenges like a knee injury and, lately, the oppressive heat of summer.

“I’ve hit a couple of spots where my coaches said, ‘You need to work harder’ and I had to say to myself, ‘I know I can do better than this,’” she said. “You really have to push it. It’s a lot of mental aspect, too. When you say you can’t do it, you’re probably not going to.”

“I find inspiration in my teammates,” she continued. “We have a lot of fun together. We goof off. We have good conversations and we really get close.”

LeClair balances her athletic life with competition in the classroom, and took an advanced placement history course last year.

She currently works as a lifeguard for the Groton Parks & Recreation department.

Key to her success: 

“I definitely train a lot,” she said, “and I’m really competitive. I really want to win. Also, my team is really supportive, nice, and I can’t ask for anything else.”

Best Advice: 

“Running is a really good sport. I know most people are like, ‘I can’t run, I can’t run.’ But it’s really rewarding and anyone can do it,” said LeClair. “And you can always improve on your time, even if you’re not the best runner.”

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, or helped your local soccer team take the championship?

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Jessica.hilo@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

●      Nominator's Name

●      Nominator's e-mail

●      Whiz Kid's Name

●      Whiz Kid's Age

●      Whiz Kid's School

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Success

 If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail Jessica.hilo@patch.com.